Ruth Ann DeLaCroix Waples, 82, passed away on April 15, 2024 in The Villages, Florida. Ruthie was born on September 26, 1941 in Chicago, Illinois, but grew up in West Lafayette, Indiana.
She graduated from West Lafayette High School in 1959, and then went on to Purdue University to study Home Economics and Child Development and Family Living. She was a teacher in preschool education for many years. She also worked at USA Group in Fishers, Indiana for several years.
Ruthie had two children from her marriage to Robert Toombs, a son, Greg Toombs (Monica) and a daughter, Barbara Toombs Conaway (Trent), Trent’s two sons, Carter and James Conaway, and a granddaughter, Kathryn Conaway.
Ruthie married Jerry Waples in 2001, and they lived in the Houston, Texas area. They moved several times around Texas, then to Indiana, and finally to The Villages, Florida where they enjoyed life together for many years.
She is survived by her son, daughter, and granddaughter, Jerry’s daughter Lynann Kelm, granddaughter, Ashley Kelm Hudnull (Zak), and grandson, Drew Kelm (Jessica), Jerry’s son, Russell Waples (Lori), Jerry’s grandsons Brett and Nick Waples, and Jerry’s great-granddaughters Hallie and Hollyn Hudnall and Sydney Kelm. Ruthie’s three siblings and several nieces and nephews also survive. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Waples.
Ruthie attended New Life Christian Church where she loved greeting newcomers by welcoming them to the church and introducing them to others.
